New Friendships, New Understandings

Today wrapped up the weekend long retreat of Kids In Birmingham 1963.  This group, with contributors from across the country gathered here to meet each other and share their experiences. I was privileged to join the group for church yesterday at the 16th Street Baptist Church and again today at Parker High School. We were delighted to be joined by an impressive group of the school's leaders. This activity of joining hands and showing appreciation for each other was especially meaningful for me.

For those of you who grew up in Birmingham in 1963, I encourage you to share your story on the website. If you are a teacher in the Birmingham area and would like some of us to come and speak with your class, please contact Ann Jimerson via the website.

Many thanks to Ann Jimerson and her committee for planning a most memorable weekend.

Lenten Photo a Day - Day 8 Preserve

As a photographer, I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to photograph events in the life of a family, my church or my community. Through the years I have experienced moments in history that I can capture and preserve. This is the best part of what I do.

Last Sunday, I traveled to Selma, Alabama with friends for the 52nd Selma March marking that day in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It was the first time I'd ever walked over the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge and I felt the same way as this young boy with his sister.

Lenten Photo a Day Project - Day 6 WISE

Yesterday, I traveled with friends to Selma, Alabama for the annual observance of the Bloody Sunday March over the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It was the first time I have had the privilege of participating,  and this seemed just the right photo for today's work, WISE.

For the 40 days of Lent, I will be posting a photo each day using the list from RethinkChurch.org. I've been wanting a project to push my photography. Regardless of your religious beliefs,  I hope you will enjoy my offerings and perhaps some of you might want to join as well. #rethinkchurch #40days

Freedom

This was photographed at Kelly Ingram Park, just across the street from Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church. This week, President Obama declared Birmingham's Civil Rights a National Monument.  As we honor the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. today, it's especially fitting. 

Selma

The opening of the new movie SELMA has brought a lot of attention back to this town and it's important role in the Civil Rights Movement. A while back, I met two bloggers there. Janet from Selma Alabama Daily Photo was our hostess, along with Annie from This is Belgium! After lunch we took the chance for some photos and I captured a few of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Leaf

Yesterday, I was at Kelly Ingram Park again, photographing Elizabeth MacQueen's marvelous THE FOUR SPIRITS for her. This single leaf caught my eye blown between the two bronze shoes.

Like Going Home Again

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Shades Cahaba Elementary.  Not only did my girls and I attend school there, but I taught third grade for 19 years.  I was invited by my friend and fellow teacher Delaine Ragland to come and speak to her class about what it was like growing up in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement here in  Birmingham.  Delaine found my comments on Kids in Birmingham 1963, which is a wonderful resource for teachers and students as well.

We had a wonderful time together and her students were a terrific audience and asked some excellent questions. I'm looking forward to visiting their classroom again at the culmination of their study to see them present what they learned.

Addie Mae's Shoes

  

In the sculpture of the Four Spirits ,  by artist Elizabeth MacQueen, Addie Mae Collins is kneeling on the bench barefoot, her Sunday shoes on the ground beside her.  I was touched by the marigolds sprinkled around her shoes and on the bench, obviously picked from the flower bed just behind.  A sweet remembrance.

Four Little Girls

Last week during Birmingham's Sidewalk Film Festival, Spike Lee's 1997 movie Four Little Girls was shown around town at area churches.  I saw it for the first time at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church.  This documentary film chronicles events leading up to and after the senseless bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing 4 young girls.  It was a powerful and painful film to watch, but this story needs to be told again and again lest we forget.  Birmingham has come a long way since those days of the Civil Rights Movement, but we still have work to do, as do Americans across our country.

I will be teaching my photography class, From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Samford After Sundown again this fall. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in the Birmingham area.

Also, for those of you planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of one, I"ll be teaching a one day workshop, Weekend In Paris at Samford on Sept. 28 from 9-3.  I will share travel tips, a bit of French culture and language as well my favorites things to see and do in Paris. In the afternoon we will talk photography and how to bring home fabulous photographs from your travels.  

Sunday Church Series - 16th Street Baptist Church

The 16th Street Baptist Church such a part of Birmingham's history and the Civil Rights Movement.  This afternoon I spotted this man taking his young son to see this historic place.

Looking Back at the Past

This powerful sculpture by Alabama artist Ronald McDowell, is dedicated to the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement.  Kelly Ingram Park across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 

Charles Moore, Capturing Powerful Images

 Friday night I had the privilege of meeting one of Alabama's renowned photographers.  Jennifer Hunt Gallery hosted a reception and book signing honoring Charles Moore,  best known for his civil rights and LIFE magazine photography.  His powerful photographs chronicling the civil rights movement in the south is sobering and will bring tears to your eyes.  I lived through it right here in Birmingham, and I can tell you that he has captured that moment in our history in a compelling way.  What an honor to meet him and view his historic photographs!  His book, Powerful Days- The Civil Rights Photography of Charles Moore, is a book you will want to add to our library. 

Remembering II

Birmingham played a large part in the Civil Rights Movement.  Thankfully, our city has come a long way since the turbulent 60's.  This is Kelly Ingram Park.  I featured it previously here.   This photograph captures the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looking towards the 16th Street Baptist Church.  To the left is the Civil Rights Institute.  We remember with pain, the past and look forward to continued healing and progress for our city and our country.

Bottom Photo:  La Tour Eiffel from Jardins des Tuileries

I am in Paris this week.  I have preposted my blog.  In addition to the Birmingham photo, I am including a Paris photo from my last trip in March, 2007.  I may from time to time leave a comment from Paris.  Thanks for stopping by.  Bonne weekend everyone!

Remembering

Kelly Ingram Park is a place for remembering.  Birmingham in the 1960's was a city in turmoil. This is a part of Birmingham's history that evokes memories of racial stife that tore our city apart and a civil rights movement that demanded much needed changes.  Today Birmingham still remembers the past and takes pride in the positive changes that have taken place over the years.  Kelly Ingram Park sits across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Avenue Baptist Church.  The sculpture  in this park is startling and thought provoking, serving as a visual reminder of sacrifices made during those turbulent times.  It is indeed a place for remembering,  learning from the past, and celebrating the present. 

I will be bringing more photos from this historic district in weeks to come.